Midwifery Today Issue 90, Summer 2009

The theme of Midwifery Today Issue 90 is Healing from Sexual Abuse and Trauma. Trauma and abuse can occur at any time in life, both before and during pregnancy. This issue addresses a number of issues including fathers who were abused, how midwives can help women heal from trauma and abuse, how childbirth can have a traumatizing effect on women and how, conversely, it can bring healing to previous abuse and trauma. The magazine also contains the usual outstanding international and clinical articles, as well as inspiring stories of birth.

Features

Women who have been abused and traumatized may experience a variety of issues related to pregnancy and birth. Maryl Smith discusses developing awareness of signs and triggers, as well as how to work with such women and help them feel safe.

Modifying Medical Procedure for the Trauma Survivor

Maryl Smith

A companion article to “Creating a Safe Space for Healing,” this article gives tips on how to make essential medical procedures as non-threatening as possible for women trauma survivors.

One of the authors of the pathbreaking book, When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Childbearing Women, describes many of the ways early abuse or trauma may negatively affect the survivors’ later experiences with childbearing and offers some tips for midwives for providing sensitive and effective care and support.

International Midwife

Female genital mutilation continues to be a reality and a rite of passage for girls in Kenya, despite the laws now prohibiting it. The author tells about her personal observations of this damaging and traumatic practice.

A Special Homebirth in India

Lina Duncan

Despite a series of misadventures, the woman featured in this story has a nice birth.